Maxine Harley Treece's Obituary
Blanche Maxine Harley Treece, 96, of Garner, formerly of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, after a brief illness.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Bethany United Methodist Church with Pastor David Cochran officiating. Burial will follow at Stanly Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:15 until 2 PM at the church.
Born March 23, 1930, in Stanly County, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Julius Hampton Harley and Era Elizabeth Harley. Mrs. Treece was a faithful member of Bethany United Methodist Church and devoted her life to her family as a homemaker.
Maxine, as she was lovingly known, will be remembered for her warm and welcoming spirit. She was an avid reader, a talented seamstress, a dedicated gardener, and a passionate student of history. A gifted storyteller, she especially loved sharing her memories of growing up during World War II, captivating all who listened. She never met a stranger and was affectionately known as “Mimi” not only to her family, but to countless others in Albemarle and later in Garner. Her home was a place of comfort, kindness, and belonging.
She was one of the beloved “Harley Sisters,” a close-knit group whose bond was marked by deep love, laughter, and faith. Together, they left a lasting legacy of kindness and devotion to the Lord—one that continues through the generations. Maxine’s gentle spirit, sweet Southern charm, and joyful sense of humor remained with her throughout her life, even bringing smiles to her caregivers in her final days.
She was the oldest member of Bethany United Methodist Church and, even after moving to Garner, remained devoted—faithfully watching services each Sunday online.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willie Travis “Red” Treece in 2019; her daughter, Susan Treece Gant in 2020; and several brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her daughter, Donna Treece Sides of Garner; her grandchildren, USAF Lt. Col. Wesley Reid Sides and wife Dana of Corpus Christi/Padre Island, Texas, Jordan Gant and husband Gregory Connuck of Asheville, and Roger Gant IV and fiancée Staci Dubbe of Nashville, Tennessee; her great-grandchildren, Wyatt Reid Sides and Hadley Rhys Sides; and her son-in-law, Roger Gant III of Burlington. She is also survived by her sister, Ladonne H. Hearne of Hampstead; her niece, Linda Hearne Tunner; a number of other nieces and nephews; and a special friend and neighbor, Jatrin Headen, who loved Maxine as her own, along with her dear family.
Memorials may be made to SECU Hospice House of Johnston Health, 426 Hospital Rd, Smithfield, NC 27577 or to Bethany United Methodist Church, 2411 US Hwy 52 N., Albemarle, NC 28001.
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